George Fox University and A.T. Still University Announce Partnership to Address Healthcare Needs in Rural and Underserved Communities
October 08, 2025
The partnership leverages George Fox’s strong health sciences programs and ATSU's expertise as a leading healthcare sciences university with a School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (SOMA). A key component of this initiative is the ATSU SOMA Hometown Scholar Program, which will offer qualified George Fox students an enhanced admission process, including guaranteed interviews for up to ten students.
"This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in healthcare, particularly in areas where access to medical professionals is most critical," said Robin Baker, president at George Fox University. "By working with ATSU, we can provide an exceptional pathway for our students to pursue osteopathic medicine and serve their communities."
This collaboration with George Fox University is a testament to our shared dedication to addressing critical healthcare disparities," said O. T. Wendel, PhD, President, Arizona & California campuses of A.T. Still University. "By strengthening pathways for aspiring healthcare professionals and focusing on rural and underserved communities, we are actively working to build a more accessible and equitable healthcare future for Oregon and beyond."
Key aspects of the collaboration include:
- Prioritized Admissions for George Fox Students: The ATSU SOMA Hometown Scholar Program will provide a guaranteed interview for up to ten qualified George Fox students seeking admission to their osteopathic medical education program.
- Clinical Rotation Development: George Fox and ATSU SOMA will collaborate to establish clinical rotations for medical students, with a specific focus on rural and underserved communities in Oregon.
- Dreamline Program: This outreach program will engage high school students from rural or underserved areas to explore careers in healthcare professions. George Fox will lead the programming, with ATSU providing expert involvement.
- Comprehensive Student Support: For first-year George Fox students interested in health professions, George Fox will offer information and mentoring, while ATSU will participate in onboarding and provide a plan for the Stills Scholar program.
- Preparation for Postgraduate Programs: George Fox will provide discipline-specific curriculum and advising for third and fourth-year students applying to postgraduate healthcare programs. ATSU will offer enhanced admissions consideration, including guaranteed interviews.
- Clinical Experience and Medical Residency: George Fox will collaborate in developing clinical experiences, and ATSU will prioritize George Fox students in its existing 10 clinical rotations in the Oregon region. Additionally, ATSU will work with George Fox to establish medical residency partnerships to facilitate Hometown Scholars' return to their communities.
This partnership underscores the shared goal of George Fox University and A.T. Still University to cultivate a diverse and robust healthcare workforce dedicated to serving the needs of rural and underserved communities throughout Oregon.
About George Fox University
George Fox University is Oregon’s largest private university. It is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best National University” and by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top private colleges in Oregon. More than 4,000 students attend classes on the university’s campus in Newberg, Oregon, and at teaching centers in Portland and Redmond, Oregon. George Fox offers more than 60 academic programs at the undergraduate level, accelerated online degrees for working adults, and 21 masters and doctoral degrees.
About A.T. Still University
A.T. Still University (ATSU) of Health Sciences is the founding institution of osteopathic healthcare, established in 1892 by Andrew Taylor Still, DO. As a leading health sciences university, ATSU is comprised of three campuses (Mesa, Arizona; Santa Maria, California; and Kirksville, Missouri) on more than 200 acres with seven prestigious schools. The culturally rich learning environments include residential and online healthcare related graduate degrees as well as community-based partnerships worldwide. ATSU has more than 1,300 employees dedicated to its not-for-profit mission and an average annual enrollment of over 3,900 students from 20 countries.
Media Contact:
George Fox University
Rob Felton
Director of University Relations
rfelton@georgefox.edu
503-554-2129